This week I'm heading out to San Antonio for the Romance Writers of America National Conference! I have a lot of "business" to take care of, but I'll also be refilling the well with some workshops on craft and author life, inspirational speakers, and party time! So y'all behave while I'm gone, and I'll come home with pics (if I can find non-incriminating ones).
In the meantime, tell me about your favorite cowboy romances! I'm eager to get in the mood!
Dani
Picture used courtesy of Creative Commons, MaurieF
In the meantime, tell me about your favorite cowboy romances! I'm eager to get in the mood!
Dani
Picture used courtesy of Creative Commons, MaurieF
Birthdays are usually fun for me. I love celebrating mine and everyone else’s. But this year was different.
I hit one of those “milestone birthdays”.
The more I thought about the # in the days leading up to it, the more depressed I became. Not for vain reasons (I’ve been fighting the uphill battle with my body for many years), but for more ephemeral reasons, like:
~Am I where I want to be at this point in my life?
~Do I still have time to get where I want to be? (that’s the pessimist in me talking)
~Am I treasuring the important things in my life?
~Am I dismissing the good things and focusing on the bad? (natural for a pessimist)
~How many more years do I have to feel like I’m not measuring up? I thought that was supposed to go away already!
Thinking brought me some answers I wanted, and some I didn’t. Isn’t that always the way? But I have to say my family and friends made the day a very special one without too much fuss. I was grateful to start a new decade surrounded by my loved ones. That’s the best way to do it, right?
WINNER
The winner from my Summer for Love blog hop post is Kelly Thompson. She’ll receive a $10 Amazon card and a copy of my first Backstage Pass book, Finding Her Rhythm.
Because of all the great responses, I’m giving away 2 additional copies of Finding Her Rhythm to Brandi Dagwan and Renata Sbr. I’ll be contacting everyone via email. Thank you for visiting with me on my blog!
Dani
*photo used courtesy of rossvana, Creative Commons
The more I thought about the # in the days leading up to it, the more depressed I became. Not for vain reasons (I’ve been fighting the uphill battle with my body for many years), but for more ephemeral reasons, like:
~Am I where I want to be at this point in my life?
~Do I still have time to get where I want to be? (that’s the pessimist in me talking)
~Am I treasuring the important things in my life?
~Am I dismissing the good things and focusing on the bad? (natural for a pessimist)
~How many more years do I have to feel like I’m not measuring up? I thought that was supposed to go away already!
Thinking brought me some answers I wanted, and some I didn’t. Isn’t that always the way? But I have to say my family and friends made the day a very special one without too much fuss. I was grateful to start a new decade surrounded by my loved ones. That’s the best way to do it, right?
WINNER
The winner from my Summer for Love blog hop post is Kelly Thompson. She’ll receive a $10 Amazon card and a copy of my first Backstage Pass book, Finding Her Rhythm.
Because of all the great responses, I’m giving away 2 additional copies of Finding Her Rhythm to Brandi Dagwan and Renata Sbr. I’ll be contacting everyone via email. Thank you for visiting with me on my blog!
Dani
*photo used courtesy of rossvana, Creative Commons
Summer in the South means an abundance of steamy heat. When you’re trying to keep cool, its not so great, but when you’re ready to spice things up—oh, yeah!
The question is, how do we add romance to those sultry summer nights? Here are a few ideas from those of us with experience. :)
*Dancing and drinks at the local bar.
*Skinny dippin’ at the beach or lake.
*Long walks in the dark.
*Lemonade on the front porch swing.
*A private striptease with nothin’ but the crickets for music.
*Settin’ up a radio on the tailgate of a truck and having a personal dance party.
*Bonfires.
*Playin’ in the pool (with or without swimsuits).
*Long nighttime drives with the windows down.
What’s your best idea for a hot summer date? One lucky commenter will win a $10 Amazon giftcard! Sign up for my newsletter here for an extra chance to win!
Happy Reading!
Dani
Out now: Settling the Score. One hot rocker. One determined woman. Many hot southern nights!
For more Summer for Love blog fun, check out the list of participants on The Romance Troupe.
Out now: Settling the Score. One hot rocker. One determined woman. Many hot southern nights!
For more Summer for Love blog fun, check out the list of participants on The Romance Troupe.
A SUMMER FOR LOVE BLOG HOP JUNE 4-8
Check out the GRAND PRIZES! (6) $50 Amazon or B&N Gift Cards
Comment with your name and email to be entered into the Grand Prize drawing. Comments without name and email will not be counted. Commenting on each and every stop will increase your chances of winning. Winners for the (6) Grand Prizes will be drawn and announced on THE ROMANCE TROUPE blog by June 10th using random.org to determine each winner.
Eye opening! Exciting! Overwhelming!
All of these adjectives and more could be used to describe my first taste of the Romantic Times Readers Convention in New Orleans, LA, a few weeks ago. As I’m sure all first timers can attest.
As an introvert, being thrown into the midst of overflowing crowds of people is overwhelming—the noise, the lack of personal space, the pressure to always be ‘on’, the noise (ask me about the hotel lobby sometime...)
But the frenetic energy and enthusiasm of the readers attending both inspired and thrilled me. Every giddy smile and squee filled my writer’s happiness bubble that much more. Totally cool!
I participated in several events, including the Series Soiree for Harlequin authors. Then the Masquerade Oddities Emporium, where we decorated masks with feathers, jewels, and all manner of glittery goodness.
[caption id="attachment_771" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Readers at the Masquerade Oddities Emporium Event[/caption]
And my fellow Ruby Sisters Burlesque Revue, where the gorgeous Bella Blue from the New Orleans School of Burlesque gave an incredible lesson in this sexy dance style (and a few on being comfortable in your body too). I’ll be posting a full blog on this next week.
[caption id="attachment_772" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Bella Blue of NOLA School of Burlesque[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_773" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Ruby Sisters at RT Burlesque Revue Reader Event[/caption]
This was also my first time to attend a print book signing! I actually sold a few copies and was asked to sign scrapbooks made by some visiting Australian readers who had included my book covers (I was told I had great eye candy!). I also got to meet my great neighbors on either side, romantic suspense author Julie Ann Walker and urban fantasy Carrie Vaughn . Both were very encouraging during those long, long hours.
[caption id="attachment_774" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
My First Print Book Signing![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_775" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
With authors Andrea Laurence (L) and Kimberly Lang (R)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_776" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Me with a reader's scrapbook that she asked me to sign.[/caption]
As I expected, New Orleans was as beautiful as I remember from my last visit as a teenager.
[caption id="attachment_777" align="alignleft" width="112"]
On Ghost Tour in New Orleans.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_778" align="aligncenter" width="112"]
A Night Out for the Ghost Tour[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_779" align="alignleft" width="150"]
Red Beans and Rice! New Orleans has good, good food![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_780" align="aligncenter" width="112"]
Jackson Square in the French Quarter, New Orleans[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_781" align="alignleft" width="112"]
With Kimberly Lang (L) and Andrea Laurence (R) at Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_782" align="aligncenter" width="112"]
At Mardi Gras World![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_783" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Jackson Square, New Orleans' French Quarter, at night.[/caption]
Though my first trip to Bourbon Street was educational, I’m not sharing pictures or stories of those adventures... (too incriminating!)
As to the rest, tons of fun! That’s why its taken me a full 2 weeks to recover.
Have you ever been to a readers’ convention? What was your favorite part? What about New Orleans? I can’t wait to go back!
Dani
Readers at the Masquerade Oddities Emporium Event[/caption]
And my fellow Ruby Sisters Burlesque Revue, where the gorgeous Bella Blue from the New Orleans School of Burlesque gave an incredible lesson in this sexy dance style (and a few on being comfortable in your body too). I’ll be posting a full blog on this next week.
[caption id="attachment_772" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Bella Blue of NOLA School of Burlesque[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_773" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Ruby Sisters at RT Burlesque Revue Reader Event[/caption]
This was also my first time to attend a print book signing! I actually sold a few copies and was asked to sign scrapbooks made by some visiting Australian readers who had included my book covers (I was told I had great eye candy!). I also got to meet my great neighbors on either side, romantic suspense author Julie Ann Walker and urban fantasy Carrie Vaughn . Both were very encouraging during those long, long hours.
[caption id="attachment_774" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
My First Print Book Signing![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_775" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
With authors Andrea Laurence (L) and Kimberly Lang (R)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_776" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Me with a reader's scrapbook that she asked me to sign.[/caption]
As I expected, New Orleans was as beautiful as I remember from my last visit as a teenager.
[caption id="attachment_777" align="alignleft" width="112"]
On Ghost Tour in New Orleans.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_778" align="aligncenter" width="112"]
A Night Out for the Ghost Tour[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_779" align="alignleft" width="150"]
Red Beans and Rice! New Orleans has good, good food![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_780" align="aligncenter" width="112"]
Jackson Square in the French Quarter, New Orleans[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_781" align="alignleft" width="112"]
With Kimberly Lang (L) and Andrea Laurence (R) at Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_782" align="aligncenter" width="112"]
At Mardi Gras World![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_783" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Jackson Square, New Orleans' French Quarter, at night.[/caption]
Though my first trip to Bourbon Street was educational, I’m not sharing pictures or stories of those adventures... (too incriminating!)
As to the rest, tons of fun! That’s why its taken me a full 2 weeks to recover.
Have you ever been to a readers’ convention? What was your favorite part? What about New Orleans? I can’t wait to go back!
Dani
And exhausted! Next week I'll share some pictures and happenings. For now, know that I had a great time and zzzzzz......
Dani
Dani
This is it! I’m heading out tomorrow for the RT Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Can hardly contain my excitement!
If you are in the New Orleans area, or will be attending the conference, stop by and say hi! I’d love to see you at any of these events:
Oddities Emporium Masquerade Workshop, Wednesday, May 14, 12pm to 1pm
Series Soiree, Harlequin Authors, Friday May 16, 11:15am to 12:15pm
Ruby Slipper Burlesque Revue, Friday May 16, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Giant Book Fair, Saturday May 17, 11am to 2pm
If you can't make it to Louisiana, but live in the southern US, consider joining me at the Heart of Dixie Romance Readers Luncheon in Huntsville, AL on June 14. I'll be hosting a table there with author Ella Sheridan, and signing books at the Charity Book Fair afterward. Registration is now underway here.
Dani
*Train Doors by Mark Ahsmann (WikiCommons)
*Canal St. Streetcar by Nicolas Larchet (WikiCommons)
If you are in the New Orleans area, or will be attending the conference, stop by and say hi! I’d love to see you at any of these events:
Oddities Emporium Masquerade Workshop, Wednesday, May 14, 12pm to 1pm
Series Soiree, Harlequin Authors, Friday May 16, 11:15am to 12:15pm
Ruby Slipper Burlesque Revue, Friday May 16, 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Giant Book Fair, Saturday May 17, 11am to 2pm
If you can't make it to Louisiana, but live in the southern US, consider joining me at the Heart of Dixie Romance Readers Luncheon in Huntsville, AL on June 14. I'll be hosting a table there with author Ella Sheridan, and signing books at the Charity Book Fair afterward. Registration is now underway here.
Dani
*Train Doors by Mark Ahsmann (WikiCommons)
*Canal St. Streetcar by Nicolas Larchet (WikiCommons)
I’m a planner—we all recognize this compulsion in me. :) This habit ramps up whenever I start planning a trip. I love to know where I’m going and what I’ll be seeing while I’m there.
In just a week I’ll be heading down south to New Orleans, Louisiana for the annual Romantic Times Readers Convention. This trip will include a lot of firsts for me:
~First time in NOLA as an adult (and with friends!)
~First time to travel by train
~First author book signing
~First visit to Mardi Gras World
I’m totally psyched! There are a lot of cool things in New Orleans that I want to see, in addition to the conference:
~famous cemetery tour
~ride the streetcars (especially down St. Charles Avenue)
~walk in the French Quarter
But there’s a lot to do between now and departure day! Create a packing list, print train tickets, get my nails done, pack...I’ve already started my packing and To Do lists...told you I was a big planner!
Takeaway: What’s your favorite way to prepare for a trip: way early or late the night before? Any suggestions from those who’ve been to NOLA?
Dani
*Train by Rais67 (WikiCommons)
*New Orleans Cemetery by Infrogmation (WikiCommons)
*Canal St Streetcar by Nicolas Larchet (WikiCommons)
~First time in NOLA as an adult (and with friends!)
~First time to travel by train
~First author book signing
~First visit to Mardi Gras World
I’m totally psyched! There are a lot of cool things in New Orleans that I want to see, in addition to the conference:
~famous cemetery tour
~ride the streetcars (especially down St. Charles Avenue)
~walk in the French Quarter
But there’s a lot to do between now and departure day! Create a packing list, print train tickets, get my nails done, pack...I’ve already started my packing and To Do lists...told you I was a big planner!
Takeaway: What’s your favorite way to prepare for a trip: way early or late the night before? Any suggestions from those who’ve been to NOLA?
Dani
*Train by Rais67 (WikiCommons)
*New Orleans Cemetery by Infrogmation (WikiCommons)
*Canal St Streetcar by Nicolas Larchet (WikiCommons)
Today, as I mourn the start of another round of deprivation (otherwise known as a diet), I give you my list of Top 10 All-Time Favorite Desserts:
1. Krispy Kreme Sour Cream/Hot Glazed donuts
(both are my favorite in their own special way—as my bio will attest)
2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
3. Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
4. Reese’s Peanut Butter Trees
5. My Mama’s Cheesecake
6. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins
7. Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
8. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs
9. Twix Bars
10. Dark Chocolate Anything!
Takeaway: So you can enjoy what I can’t, here’s my Mama’s Cheesecake recipe. Be sure to eat a piece for me!
Dani
QUICK & EASY CHEESECAKE
2-8oz. packages cream cheese (don’t skimp by getting low fat!)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. vanilla
16 oz. sour cream
2 graham cracker crusts
Use a mixer to combine the cream cheese, eggs, and half of the sugar/vanilla in a bowl. Pour half into each crust and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Mix sour cream and rest of sugar/vanilla with a spoon. Pour on top of the two pies and bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees. Refrigerate after cooling.
* Cheesecake photo by Whym (WikiCommons)
Takeaway: So you can enjoy what I can’t, here’s my Mama’s Cheesecake recipe. Be sure to eat a piece for me!
Dani
QUICK & EASY CHEESECAKE
2-8oz. packages cream cheese (don’t skimp by getting low fat!)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. vanilla
16 oz. sour cream
2 graham cracker crusts
Use a mixer to combine the cream cheese, eggs, and half of the sugar/vanilla in a bowl. Pour half into each crust and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Mix sour cream and rest of sugar/vanilla with a spoon. Pour on top of the two pies and bake for 5 minutes at 400 degrees. Refrigerate after cooling.
* Cheesecake photo by Whym (WikiCommons)
I have to admit, hubby and I have a "different" sense of humor. He's a little snarky and dry, more than a little naughty...and keeps me laughing every day! For Valentine's, the "awe"ful cards on Ella Sheridan's blog were right up my alley! Check it out for a post-Valentine's day laugh.
I’m a lifelong reader. My first love was romance books and, though I read many subgenres, they all have that happily ever after in common. I love them so much that I wanted to write my own. Twelve years later, I write my own romances...and I don’t read nearly as much.
This was brought home to me over the last few weeks as I’ve been judging entries to Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest. It’s rare that I take enough time off to read a whole book. I usually only do it between projects, or during revisions, so that I don’t adopt the other author’s voice or characteristics as my own.
The good thing about this is I have to read these books by the judging deadline—so its a great excuse to give myself permission to read. I’m enjoying the chance to do this without the guilt of these words floating through my mind...you should be working.
Reading reminds me why I started writing in the first place. And the joy of losing myself in a fictional world without all the work of having to create it. :)
Takeaway: Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy!
How many books do you read in a week?
Dani
The good thing about this is I have to read these books by the judging deadline—so its a great excuse to give myself permission to read. I’m enjoying the chance to do this without the guilt of these words floating through my mind...you should be working.
Reading reminds me why I started writing in the first place. And the joy of losing myself in a fictional world without all the work of having to create it. :)
Takeaway: Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy!
How many books do you read in a week?
Dani